Rediscovering Herb Lane: Application of Design Thinking to Enhance Visitor Experience in a Traditional Market

Abstract

The need to redevelop depressed traditional markets as cultural tourism attractions has been recognized as urgent in contemporary urban regeneration projects. The survival and development of these marketplaces can support economic prosperity and sociocultural diversity. This study applies design thinking to foster multidisciplinary collaboration and integrate interactive technology with the aim of enhancing visitor experience in Herb Lane, which is a traditional market for traditional Chinese herbs. The practice-based research details the activities and methods to be undertaken to support a multidisciplinary collaboration throughout the design thinking process. The outcome yielded from the process was a mobile application that provides personal herbal recommendations, inspired by traditional Chinese medicine practices and herb-finding activities and supported by visual recognition technology. The mobile application was evaluated through a field trial study, and the results indicate that the mobile application can significantly enhance visitor experience in Herb Lane. This study is expected to contribute to the research and practical knowledge regarding design thinking, multidisciplinary collaboration, and smart tourism. It should also encourage relevant professionals to work together for the continuity and development of traditional markets.